PRAIRIE RONDE — The Northwest Raiders are ready to take the next step.
Northwest ended last season winning their final three contests. That helped longtime coach Chris Edwards’ squad earn a playoff berth and secure its first winning season since 2018.
Edwards and his staff are tweaking a few things to help build off of last year’s success, especially with the personnel they have returning.
Northwest will go away from the Wing-T-based offense and run more of a spread offense, especially with running back Javion Reese back healthy.
The defense will be key this season.
In five of the team’s six wins last year, the Raiders defense gave up 16 or fewer points. In the team’s five losses, they averaged giving up 36.2 points per game.
Northwest’s defense will be led by linebacker Davon Thibodeaux and defensive end-linebacker McKenzie Ardoin. That is in addition to having other seniors back on that side of the football, including defensive back Braylon Offord, linebacker Mark Owens, and linemen Conner Pitre and Percy Chavis.
If the defense can play up to its preseason expectations, and if the offense can establish its identity early during a challenging non-district schedule, Northwest could take that next step and make a playoff run.
IMPACT PLAYERS
MCKENZIE ARDOIN, LB-DE, Sr.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound pass rusher is a disruptive force that is coming off a first-team all-district season. Ardoin’s versatility allows him to play standing up or with his hand in the dirt.
JAVION REESE, RB-LB, Sr.
After being banged up most of the 2022 season, the Raiders’ physical two-way star will look to carry the load on offense (he has more than 1,500 yards rushing in his career) while also providing leadership on defense.
DAVON THIBODEAUX, LB-HB, Jr.
Another one of the Raiders’ versatile two-way players is expected to have a breakout season at both the linebacker and running back positions.
Head Coach: Chris Edwards
Lewis enters his 10th season at the helm of the Northwest Raiders. After a few disappointing years, Northwest got back to its winning ways in 2022 and will look to build on that success. The Raiders have size up front, especially along the defensive line, and with a healthy Reese at running back, the team could achieve even more in 2023.
2022 Record: 6-5
2023 SCHEDULE
09-01 vs. Northside
09-07 @ Crowley
09-15 @ Beau Chene
09-22 @ Eunice
09-29 vs. Port Barre*
10-06 @ Iota*
10-13 vs. Church Point*
10-20 @ Pine Prairie*
10-27 vs. Ville Platte*
11-03 @ Mamou*
*Denotes District 4-3A game
Make sure to listen to the St. Landry Parish Game of the Week live over the air on News Talk 98.5 FM — The Talk of Acadiana or by downloading the free News Talk 98.5 FM mobile app.